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| Whale Sharks |
Date:
13 Feb 2010 |
| On the north side of Utila, a "boil" forms as Bonita tuna swirl and send bubbles through the sea in their corralling of a large school of bait fish. Alongside them, several Utilian diving boats sit in wait. Captains and tourists scan the frenzy in hope that today they might strike it lucky with an even more formidable sight. Suddenly, a large dorsal fin appears, slicing through the melee, and the captains shout, "It's here! You better get in quick!" Tourists, fins and masks already in place, slide quietly into the water without the slightest fear of what lies below. Faces press downwards in silent exultation and they see it, a young 15ft whale shark. The animal, gliding through the water, takes caution of its visitors. It begins to descend and its grey-blue body blends into the depths, leaving its white spots to fade out like smothered stars in the encroaching abyssal darkness. Utila, like no more than a dozen other places in the world, offers tourists a regular opportunity to see whale sharks. The biggest fish and shark in the sea, whale sharks can grow up to 60ft in length, and, as they are timid filter feeders, swimming with them is one of the most memorable experiences eco-tourists can find.
Several hours after seeing his first whale shark, Luke Collier, 34, a tourist from England, was off the boat telling friends, "it absolutely blew my mind. I'm just sorry I'm not staying longer to do it again." Unfortunately, Collier and other tourists may be more than sorry they didn't get their fill when they had a chance. In the past fifty years, populations of shark species have, on average, declined by 80-90% and the whale shark has been no exception. In fact, although little is known about whale shark populations or sexual maturity rates, marine biologists and the World Conservation Union - the international organization responsible for the endangered species Red List - believe they have seen enough to declare the species "vulnerable to extinction." Further, they have succeeded in having the whale shark protected internationally by CITES, the international convention regulating trade of flora and fauna. Nevertheless, many Asian countries, which perhaps constitute the greatest threat to the whale shark, continue to fish the animal for those prized fins their peoples consume in massive amounts each year. As a result, some fear that the whale shark should be categorized as more seriously endangered. But data necessary for more rigorous conservation efforts just doesn't exist.
By: Mark Gibson (The Voice) |
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Utopia Village
Utopia Village is a first class dive, fishing, and spa resort located on Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras. This casually elegant hotel complex is nestled in the jungle just at the edge of a beautiful beach with abundant coral reefs. |
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Want to live in Paradise? Look no further ! |
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This fully furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home includes deep water, dock, full basement, outdoor shower, palapa, and much more. Click on "more" or the photo to find out more !
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